Meanings
nounZ score (plural Z scores)
plural Z scores
- mathematicsThe number of standard deviation units away from the mean a particular value of data lies.
Synonyms: Z-value, normal score, standard score, standardized variable
Synonyms & antonyms
nounThe number of standard deviation units away from the mean a particular value of data lies.
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Origin
From the use of "Z" in Z distribution, another name for normal distribution.
Full word history & related roots →Cite this entry
APA
Z score. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Z%20score
MLA
“Z score.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Z%20score. Accessed November 4, 2026.
Chicago
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Z score,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Z%20score.
Source: Z score on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.